University leaders hope to keep tuition increase low

The heads of Tennessee’s two university systems said they could keep tuition increases low next year, but only if Gov. Bill Haslam agrees to increase the state’s budget for higher education.

University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro and Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan said at a budget hearing at the state Capitol that they may be able to limit next year’s rise in tuition to 4 percent or less. But the state would have to commit about $41 million more in tax dollars for operations.

The spending proposal comes amid rising concerns about the cost of higher education and a push by Haslam to drive up the number of college graduates in Tennessee.